Reviewed by Karen Tolentino for Readers' Favorite

The Polar Bear From Nowhere by Shelby Willis is a gloriously imaginative children's picture book that sweeps young readers into a world of moonlit wonder and pure, joyful silliness. On a star-speckled night, a great big polar bear with eyes that twinkle with curiosity hops aboard a train from a little place called Nowhere, bound for somewhere he has heard really, really, really marvellous things about: Grandma and Grandpa's house. Too excited to bother with the doorbell, he squeezes his enormous bear body through the window, takes a magnificent dive into the garden pool, nibbles from the kitchen, and helps himself to a few toys while trying his very best not to make a mess. The adventure unfolds with the warmth of a bedtime story, ending in a tender cuddle that reminds readers just how magical grandparents' homes feel to every little kid.

The author demonstrates her remarkable skill in storytelling throughout the book. The Polar Bear From Nowhere has a charm that begins with its whimsical style, as if you have just entered a dreamland. The scene-setting is phenomenal, endearing for both kids and kids at heart. The character illustrations embody the personalities they play in the story. Polar Bear's visual, for example, captures his curious, playful, and slightly clumsy nature — something children will easily see themselves in. The unsuspecting grandparents were equally charming, along with the other characters. The plot is simple enough for young children to follow, using a circular structure. The story has the voice of a child; energetic, bouncy, and rich in onomatopoeia that evokes a sensory experience during a read-aloud session. It goes perfectly with the central theme of the story: the unconditional love of grandparents. Everything is handled with a lightness and a good trip down memory lane — bonding with Grandma and Grandpa. This is a great addition to any child's bookshelf, especially for those who live far from their loving grandparents.